Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Prior Learning Assessment is a way to earn credit for college-level knowledge or skills you have attained outside the traditional college classroom and have not been previously evaluated for or awarded college credit. PLA credit is not awarded for experience; it is awarded for college-level knowledge gained from experience that is equivalent to the required competencies in a PCC course. Students who apply for PLA can earn up to 50 percent of the credits required for a program of study.

PCC offers the following methods to earn credit for prior learning (NOTE: Not all courses are available in all methods, and some courses may not have any PLA options):

• National Standardized Tests (information on this form of PLA is detailed below)
• Challenge Exams/Assessment
• Evaluated Military Training
• Noncredit to Credit
• Evaluated Industry Certificates and Training Programs
• Portfolio Assessment

For more information, visit a campus Student Services Center to meet with an academic advisor or: https://pima.edu/academics-programs/credit-prior-learning/index.html